Creating designs that help a poster to really shine is all about the graphics, but a great image is only the start of a great print poster. So, then what’s next? First select a graphic that gets the attention of the viewer. Then state your message and just tweak it all from there.
Get the Viewer’s Attention
There are several ways to get attention on print posters. Big and bold, or a little bit of shock and mystery work well to get attention. Going big and bold isn’t just using a larger poster, but also placing a bold image on a poster that cannot be ignored. Shock and mystery will create a desire to figure out what is being advertised.
Say What You Mean
Lead the viewer to successfully understand your message by stating the obvious. The “keep it simple stupid” or KISS method applies here. If you want to convey the convenience of your product, show the convenience in the image and use a statement such as, “Wouldn’t you like this to be just as easy for you?”
Choose Your Text Carefully
The amount of copy included on the print poster should be minimal, but that’s not to say that you shouldn’t pay special attention to the selection of your fonts. The font color does not have to be casual. When matched to the theme, the use of exotic fonts will add to the overall design of the poster.
Balance It All Out
After placing images, check to see if your print poster is balanced. View the right side versus left and top versus bottom. If one portion is visually “light” on content, this is usually the best place to add your text. If the text is already placed or does not fit, add other elements or adjust the placement of the images.
Lead the Viewer to the Message
Often, the message is placed at the bottom of the poster, especially when the image does not automatically lead the viewer to it. If the images chosen allow it, connect the image to your message. Shapes and lines, a straight highway or road, or even tree roots or waterfalls are all parts of images than can draw the viewer along. Color can also be used to point to the message of the print poster. You can use a bold color to stand out or a change in hues to lead more subtly.
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